Robert Bootle facts for kids

Robert Bootle (born around 1694 – died May 7, 1758) was an important English ship captain. He worked for a big trading company called the East India Company. He was chosen four times to be a director for this company.

Robert Bootle's Early Life

Lathom House, built for his brother, Sir Thomas Bootle, around 1740.

Robert Bootle was born at Lathom House in Lancashire, England. He was a younger son of Robert Bootle from Maghull. His older brother was Sir Thomas Bootle, who was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Liverpool.

Robert Bootle's Career

Robert Bootle was the captain of a ship named the London. This ship was an "Indiaman," which was a large sailing ship used by the East India Company. He commanded the London on five long trips to the East between 1723 and 1739.

Besides the London, he also owned part of another ship called the Suffolk. He was elected as a director of the East India Company several times:

• From 1741 to 1744
• From 1746 to 1749
• In 1752 and 1753
• In 1755

In 1757, Robert Bootle was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists. His application said he was "a gentleman very good at math and other smart subjects."

Robert Bootle's Family Life

A painting of his daughter, Mary Wilbraham-Bootle, by George Romney.

In 1732, Robert Bootle married Anne Tooke. She was the daughter of Edmund Tooke from London. Anne was also a favorite cousin of John Loveday from Caversham.

Robert and Anne had one daughter:

• Mary Bootle (born 1734 – died 1813). She married Richard Wilbraham. Richard was an MP for Chester. When they got married, he added "Bootle" to his last name, becoming Wilbraham-Bootle.

Robert Bootle lived in Hatton Garden, London, for a while. In 1753, his older brother Thomas passed away. Robert then inherited Lathom House. When Robert Bootle died in 1758, Lathom House went to his only daughter, Mary.

Robert Bootle's Grandchildren

Through his daughter Mary, Robert Bootle had many grandchildren. He had at least six grandsons and eight granddaughters. One of his grandsons was Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, 1st Baron Skelmersdale, who later inherited Lathom House.

See also

• List of East India Company directors